Logo French Journal of Occupational Therapy

Original Article

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): FJOT 2026

The COVID-19 pandemic influence on French-speaking occupational therapists' occupational identity and competence

Submitted
2024 September 18
Published
2026-02-05

Abstract

Background: the restrictive measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health and daily activities of occupational therapists (OT).

Objectives:  to understand how the global environment, during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced OTs’ occupational identity and competence.

Methodology: five French-speaking OTs per country (France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada) were randomly recruited from the initial eCO3 (study on Occupational Competence during Confinement in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic) study. They took part in semi-structured interviews using the Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II) between September and December 2021. Interviews were analysed using categorical content analysis, supported by a similarity analysis using IRAMUTEQ software.

Results: few differences were established depending on the country. Maintaining stability while transforming one’s occupations and developing social interactions was essential. At least one participant per country criticised their global environment.

Conclusion: during the pandemic, OTs took time to reflect on their occupational identity while remaining active to maintain a satisfying occupational competence. OTs, for whom adaptability has become essential, have strengthened their resilience during the crisis. 

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